Final vehicle product audit methodologies within the automotive industry

Research has shown that perception of quality in the automotive industry has moved from traditional quality and reliability attributes to more emotional and sensory elements, known as craftsmanship. Assessment of these quality categories is achieved via linguistic assessment and converted into a quantitative score for quality management purposes. This methodology is known as the Final Vehicle Product Audit (FVPA). The purpose of this paper is to understand the application of FVPA within the four-wheel passenger vehicle segment of the market. The research focuses on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the FVPA's role within New Product Introduction (NPI) and with the supply base. This work also investigates how FVPA results are utilised by the OEM, the structure of the audit and its link to craftsmanship. A questionnaire was constructed to determine these research objectives and was sent to eligible firms within the industry. A representative sample returned the questionnaire for analysis.